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Over 30 Years of Industry Experience

BLDI Environmental Engineering is a full-service environmental consulting firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1991, BLDI continues to provide progressive, professional, and practical consulting services. We offer straight-forward, cost-effective solutions to environmental issues. BLDI is proud of our steadfast reputation for meeting or exceeding our client’s expectations, resulting in repeat projects with longstanding customers.

BLDI is part of the Waséyabek family of companies. Waséyabek is a 100% Tribally-owned holding company that manages the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s non-gaming economic development activities.

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Why Choose BLDI?

Selecting the right environmental firm is critical to you and your organization meeting your business and financial goals. In assessing either your present or future environmental firm, consider the following key reasons for selecting BLDI as your environmental firm.

Long term presence and experience

Absolute integrity has earned the trust of clients and regulators

Extensive experience in environmental insurance claims and liability transfers

Extensive experience in Phase I, II, and Remedial Actions

Accountability for all operations

Approved for work by the most stringent lenders and attorneys

Expertise in leaking underground storage tanks and closures

Consistent service delivery, including service turnaround guarantee for Phase I ESA’s and RiskScans

“They know their stuff and work hard to help you get your deal done.” — Banker, Midwest Regional Bank
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The BLDI Culture

At BLDI our focus is authenticity, balance, excellence, continuous improvement, teamwork, and community. Our culture promotes innovation and ongoing professional development while building and nurturing strong relationships with clientele based on openness, trust and respect. We strive to demonstrate expertise in service and deliver consistent, reliable results.

Click Here to See BLDI Giving Back to the Community

Careers

Our Leaders

The quality of our service starts with our people.

  • Leslie

    Leslie DeBoer

    President
    Bio

    Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Taylor University. Leslie has been with BLDI since 2010, rising quickly to the position of Project Manager then Senior Project Manager before getting promoted to Vice President in 2019 and President in 2022. She has managed many projects in environmental due diligence as well as leaking underground storage tanks investigations. Based on her education, experience and training, Leslie meets the criteria for an Environmental Professional (EP) and holds several other certificates. In her spare time, Leslie loves camping and many outdoor activities as well as just spending time with her husband and three children.

  • Joseph

    Joseph Berlin, PE

    President Emeritus
    Bio

    Joe’s work focuses on the application of scientific and forensic principles to better understand and mitigate environmental contamination, risk, and the associated financial implications. This includes environmental due diligence (EDD), comprising Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, application of SBA environmental protocols, remediation programs, and forensic environmental investigations. Joe is a registered Professional Engineer in several states, a Certified Professional (Ohio VAP#351), and a member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. He has BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering and MBA, plus further graduate work in Industrial Hygiene and Accounting. Joe’s career spans over 25 years and has run from DOD confidential projects to cases with Fortune 500 oil companies to insurance claims for “mom-and-pop” gas stations. In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing guitar, reading, and mentoring young people.

  • Rich

    Richard Spehar, PE

    Principal
    Bio

    Rich has a diverse work history and has held a variety of projects, environmental and safety engineering positions utilizing his strong chemistry and mathematics skills at both industrial facilities and environmentally impacted sites. He has extensive experience in the design, installation, and operation of active soil, groundwater and free product remediation systems. Rich holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan Technical University and Michigan Secondary Education Certificate in Chemistry and Math from Ferris State University. Rich has been with BLDI since 1996. He is a designated Professional Engineer and hold several other certifications. When not working, Rich stays active, enjoying boating, motorcycling and gardening.

  • Heidi

    Heidi Vogel

    Project Manager
    Bio

    Heidi earned a Master of Science degree in Geology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geology from Ohio University. Following work at URS in Philadelphia, she joined BLDI as a Project Geologist in 2014 conducting Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) for a wide variety of sites throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Her experience has earned her the designation of Environmental Professional (EP) as well as several other certifications. As a Project Manager with BLDI, Heidi currently oversees numerous leaking underground storage tank investigations, environmental response activity, and emergency response investigation sites, and oversees the design and implementation of vapor mitigation and soil & groundwater remediation systems. When not working, Heidi enjoys mountain biking, reading, sketching, and just about anything involving food and family.

  • Nichole

    Nichole Mason

    Project Manager
    Bio

    Nichole earned a dual major from Central Michigan University in Environmental Studies and Biology and her Master of Science degree in Biology from Grand Valley State University. Based on her education, training and experience, Nichole meets the criteria for the designation of Environmental Professional (EP) and has earned several other certifications since joining BLDI in 2014. Nichole's primary focus is managing projects related to Environmental Due Diligence (EDD). When not working, Nichole enjoys boating on Lake Macatawa with her family, camping, gardening, and crocheting during her off time.

  • Sarah

    Sarah Jacobitz

    Project Manager
    Bio

    Sarah was educated in the frozen north at Michigan Technological University where she honed her technical skills and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. Sarah originally joined the BLDI team in 2003 but took a 5 year “sabbatical” in 2009 upon the birth of her son. Based on her education, training and experience, Sarah meets the criteria for the designation of Environmental Professional (EP) and has earned several other certifications. Her primary focus is environmental due diligence work but also assists wherever necessary to help project work progress in a timely fashion. When she’s not wearing her environmental problem-solving shoes, Sarah enjoys outdoor, culinary, and literary adventures with family and friends.

  • Maryanne

    MaryAnne Wood

    Office Manager
    Bio

    With over 30 years of customer service and management experience, MaryAnne Wood joined BLDI in 2015, wearing many hats including that of accounts receivable and billing. MaryAnne has a Bachelor of Arts from Northwood University with a dual major in Marketing and Management. MaryAnne likes “greening-up” the office and making sure the candy dishes are full. She enjoys yoga and spending time with her family and friends when out of the office.

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    Chris DenHerder

    Director of Business Development
    Bio

    Bringing both a passion for the environment and experience with consulting engineering firms, Chris joined the team in 2023. He's earned degrees in Marketing & Entrepreneurship from Northwood University as well as a degree in Business Communication from Colorado State University. Chris takes his expertise and talents to BLDI's sales and marketing, focusing in bringing in new projects as well as new ideas to the team. When he's not working, he is an active member of the community serving and volunteering as a youth sports coach and leadership coach. Chris is often found adventuring around the Midwest with his family either on for or on bicycle.